Al Franken looking into tax problem

Al Franken
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken.
MPR Photo/Mark Zdechlik

(AP) - Officials with Al Franken's Senate campaign say his accountants are trying to determine whether the Democrat owes back taxes in California or anyplace else.

That comes after a series of revelations about unfiled taxes and government fines involving the former comedian's personal corporation.

State Republican Party chairman Ron Carey has criticized Franken's tax problems, saying the candidate has been dishonest about his dealings.

Spokesman Andy Barr says Franken and his wife were acting on the advice of their accountant in everything they did and that to suggest otherwise is "nonsense."

Barr says when the accountants determine what mistakes were made and whether more taxes are owed, the information will be made public.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)